Cape Breton Cultural Retreats Native & Spiritual

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Cultural Retreats:  Mi'kmaq First Nation

                                             Guide John Henry in the Tipi

                                           A Mi'kmaq Elder Prefers  to Build

                                                  Wigwams and Catch Trout

                                       But Still Loves Standing in the Tipi Door

Have you ever wanted to take a few days and learn from a native elder?

One who knows the habits of the moose and bear and eagle?  And has many stories of each?

The stories are full of humor and color?   Until a point of change.  Where it gets more serious, even spiritual.  A lesson is there if you hear it.

Over the last few seasons since 2005, John Henry Lafford and other Mi kmaq guides visit Cabot Shores and develop “Wasoqatesk Village” (you can read more under Adventures—Uncle’s Dream)

But this summer there’s 3-4 days set aside for wandering and exploring Indian Brook and the Highlands.  And doing a number of ceremonies during this time.

If you are interested in a sample and intense schedule, please fill out our form.
And please fill out information form on interests and time available.

Here’s the Basic Details of a 3 Day & 3 Night Native Program

When: Thursdays thru Sundays in July + some week long adventures

Where: Cabot Shores’ Breton Cove & IndianBrook

Lodging: At Wasoqatesk (Lightning Village) & Cabot Shores

Hiking: Along the Brook and in the Highlands

With: Native Mi ‘kmaq Guide

With: Co-sponsorship of Youth Adventure Corps Which will provide some “journeyships”

Mission: To empower young people and adults to develop self-worth, Competence and  a sense of community spirit and leadership through guidance and  guided adventures with mentors of all ages and across many cultures.

For: Young People and Families or for small groups (6-8)
Wishing to connect in an intimate way
With native culture through nature, ritual, Crafts and daily living.

Why: To re-connect or connect in a new way with nature, yourself, your family,
your team…
To discover all kinds of new laughter
To learn new skills that are from old traditions (You may have other purposes, let us know)

Are you willing to:  hike, fish, cook, build and laugh a lot?

Click to see a sample schedule and let us know
Your availability for the Native Journey

Native programs offer a unique opportunity to discover and understand the aboriginal traditions and way of life. We are very respectful of the First Nations' traditions and require from all our participants that they enter these programs in the same state of mind, and that they carefully respect the native protocols during these adventures.

John Henry Lafford is a  Mi ‘kmaq elder, sundancer, fisherman and hunter.  At Cabot Shores, he has designed and started building wigwam lodges…

A series of “native programs” is planned for this summer.  All designed for families and adventurers of all ages.

If interested in more information and in receiving “Uncle’s Dream” and more information on “Lightning Village”, wigwam building and other retreasts please click here and fill out the form and let us know you are interested.